Late-winter storm heading this way

Wednesday

Mar 6, 2013 at 6:00 AMMar 6, 2013 at 2:02 PM

Central Massachusetts residents woke to a messy mix of rain, sleet and snow - depending on where they live - and are gearing up for a late-winter storm tonight into Friday. A winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect from tonight until Friday morning.

By Linda Bock TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Central Massachusetts residents woke to a messy mix of rain, sleet and snow - depending on where they live - and are gearing up for a late-winter storm tonight into Friday.

A winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect from tonight until Friday morning.

An ocean storm is the culprit. It will bring the potential for heavy snow and strong winds for the next couple of days.

The storm is expected to pass well southeast of New England tonight.

“Unfortunately, there is still some uncertainty regarding exact snowfall amounts,” the National Weather Service said in its update at 5 this morning. “But this storm will have a significant impact on Southern New England.”

Meteorologists are estimating 4 to 8 inches of snow for Central Massachusetts.

Worcester saw mostly rain this morning, with temperatures in the low 30s.

Some towns north of Worcester saw snow this morning. Templeton and Westminster saw a dusting.

Forecasters are saying that the region will see snow mainly after 11 tonight. New snow of 1 to 3 inches is expected overnight. Another 2 to 4 inches is likely tomorrow. The storm will continue throughout Thursday night into Friday.

Authorities are advising residents to avoid traveling during the height of the storm or during periods of low visibility.

Highway and public works crews have been well into preparation mode.

“We're watching it very closely as you can imagine,” said Lunenburg Department of Public Works Director Jack Rodriquenz. “Almost hourly.”

Mr. Rodriquenz said he has come to realize that meteorologists aren't always 100 percent accurate.

“We prepare for the high amount,” Mr. Rodriquenz said. Unfortunately, he said, the expected snow will not be the light, fluffy snow of the recent blizzard. He said the “sloppy concrete” type of snow expected in the coming days will be a challenge to clear.

As it stands now, forecasters are predicting a storm in excess of 30 hours.

“This will be a very difficult storm, very hard on the men,” Mr. Rodriquenz said of his crew.

It's supposed to be nice this weekend, though. The forecast is calling for sunny skies and temperatures in the 40s for Saturday and Sunday.